Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

(Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel seeds are a component of the Chinese five spice powder, as well as panch phoron and Malabar garam masala. Fennel is popular for meat dishes, but even more so for fish and sea food; its sweet taste also harmonizes with the earthy aroma of bread and gives pickles or vinegar a special flavor.

In many parts of India, roasted fennel fruits are consumed as mukhwas, an after-meal digestive and breath freshener, or candied as comfit.